Newcastle United are keeping a close eye on Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser as they look to bolster their options out on the flanks.

The Chronicle report on their website’s live blog (14:42, 10/04) that the 25-year-old Cherries man is someone the Toon Army have looked at closely this season, with claims from the Scottish Sun suggesting that former Bournemouth man Matt Ritchie could be used to try and tempt the south coast side into selling.

It is stated that Ritchie is rated at around £20million by the Magpies and has been a mainstay in the starting XI under Rafael Benitez.

Is Fraser special?

With six goals and 10 appearances for Bournemouth this season, the seven-cap Scottish international has had a flying season and so it should come as no surprise to see rival Premier League sides sniffing around.

Much more than your typical winger, the 25-year-old has great strength and tenacity and makes it very difficult for the opposition to dispossess him.

He does of course possess great speed and ball control, while his delivery from out wide has been crucial in the Cherries getting their goals.

This is without a doubt his best season in terms of goals and assists in the Premier League and with 87 games worth of top flight experience under his belt he seems to have made the necessary step up.

Where does he fit in at Newcastle?

Simply put, Fraser would be an ideal replacement for Ritchie who at 29-years-old is coming to a crossroads in his career.

Signing the current Bournemouth man would have the Toon Army forgetting about their own Scottish international in no time at all, with the same drive and determination boosted by Fraser’s pace and cutting edge.

If a swap deal could be done, then Newcastle would be getting the better player, there is little question about that, and with a need for wingers at St James’ Park, it would give the Newcastle faithful, not to mention Rafael Benitez, exactly what they want.

Interesting fact

Standing at just 5ft 4in tall [Transfermarkt], Fraser is one of the shortest players plying his trade in the Premier League this season.